In 1987, Orlando put 1,200 acres of constructed wetlands to work cleaning reclaimed water

Orlando’s constructed wetlands, established in 1987, treat billions of gallons of reclaimed water annually. Aquatic plants absorb nutrients, but decaying matter creates sediment buildup over time. Periodic earthmoving, known as demucking, removes this organic muck to restore marsh function. This process involves draining, scraping, and replanting native species in 100-acre sections. Such long-term maintenance ensures the wetland’s continued effectiveness in water purification.